60 LIFE OF AUDUBON. 



ice, but at the same time we had green peas, artichokes, and 

 other summer esculents on shore fresh from the garden." 



On arriving at New Orleans, Audubon was relieved to find 

 that the lost portfolio had been found, and was located safely 

 in the ofEce of the 'Mississippi Eepublican' newspaper. He 

 however found no work to do, and had to live for some days 

 in the boat he came with. The money he had, not much, was 

 stolen from him, and he had not even as much as would pay a 

 lodging he took in advance. Amid aU his difficulties he still kept 

 wandering to the woods, got additions made to his specimens, 

 and filled his portfolio with new drawings. Meeting an Italian 

 painter, Audubon explained his anxiety to have work. The 

 Italian introduced him to the director of the theatre, who offered 

 the naturalist one hundred dollars per month to draw for him, 

 but a fixed engagement could not be entered upon. 



On the 13th of Jamiary he called upon Jarvis the painter, 

 who objected to his manner of painting birds. He suggested 

 that he might assist the artist in filling in backgrounds, and 

 was requested to come back. 



" I went back again," writes the naturalist, " but found Mr. 

 Jarvis had no use for me: he appeared in fact to fear my 

 rivalry. Meeting a friend, I was taken to the counting-house 

 of Mr. Pamar, where I was asked what I would take the por- 

 traits of three children for. I answered. One hundred dollars ; 

 but various delays occurred which presented me from entering 

 upon this engagement. I wished for the money to send home 

 to my wife and children. 



" January 14. Visited the levees, and found them crowded 

 with promenaders of every hue and nation. The day was 

 Sunday, and amusements were much indulged in. Various 

 quadroon balls held in the evening. Do not see any good look- 

 ing or handsome women ; all have a citron hue. Time passed 

 sadly in seeking ineffectually for employment. I was fortunate 

 in making a hit with the portrait of a well-known citizen of 

 New Orleans. I showed it to the public ; it made a favourable 

 impression, and I obtained several patrons. A few orders for 

 portraits relieved my necessities, and continuing my work of 

 painting birds, the time passed more pleasantly. 



" February 5. Spent my time running after orders for portraits, 



